Pop star Charli XCX, now 32, recently shared a humorous anecdote about her early music career during her Saturday Night Live (SNL) hosting appearance. She revealed that she began performing at raves when she was just 15 years old, with her parents driving her to these late-night events. Her clever excuse to her parents was claiming she had “swim practice at 2:00 A.M.”
During her SNL monologue, Charli jokingly described herself as a “triple threat” in the English sense – meaning she sings, drinks, and smokes. Her sixth studio album, “Brat,” has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions of social media posts, dance moves, and even catching the attention of US political figures like Kamala Harris, who rebranded her social media with the “brat” aesthetic to appeal to younger voters.
Charli elaborated on what “brat” means to her, describing it as an attitude and a vibe. She provided colorful examples of what constitutes being “brat,” including an incident involving Martha Stewart mistakenly claiming a journalist was dead and that journalist’s witty response. She emphasized that “anyone can be brat” and that it’s about “keeping it real” and being vulnerable.
In previous interviews, Charli has defined the “brat” persona as a girl who “has a breakdown, but kind of like parties through it” – someone who is honest, blunt, and slightly volatile. The aesthetic typically involves a casual, rebellious style, like carrying “a pack of cigs, a Bic lighter and a strappy white top with no bra.”
The “brat” trend has gained significant traction on social media platforms like TikTok, presenting itself as a rejection of more polished trends like the “clean girl” aesthetic. The term has become so popular that Collins Dictionary crowned “brat” as its word of the year, defining it as someone with a “confident, independent and hedonistic attitude.”
Charli’s album has built momentum since its June release, gaining popularity through both original tracks and remixes. The “brat” phenomenon has resonated with many, creating a cultural movement that celebrates a raw, unapologetic approach to self-expression.
During her SNL appearance, Charli expressed excitement about her hosting opportunity, noting she’s not typically out early on a Saturday night but made an exception for the show. Her performance and monologue further solidified her status as a trendsetting artist who continues to push cultural boundaries.
The “brat” summer has been a transformative experience for Charli XCX, turning her album into more than just a musical release, but a broader cultural statement about attitude, authenticity, and self-confidence.
